Encroachment to ecosystem a threat to community livelihoods

Narok County Commissoner George Natembeya (right) with Mau Forest operation Commander Dickson Ritan showing Maasai Mau forest map at his office.PHOTO:ROBERT KIPLAGAT

NAIROBI, KENYA: Kenyan population is on the upward trajectory while important natural resources like forests that are life support systems are under immense pressure and threats.

Under this reality the Constitution provides for a 10 per cent forest cover which currently stands at approximately 7 per cent way below our constitutional obligation. There are five major water towers (Mt. Kenya, Aberdares, Mau Complex, Cherangani and Elgon) in this great country of Kenya and they supply water to the entire Kenyan population and also sustain the fragile Eco-system in those areas. Mau Forest complex for instance supply water beyond the Kenyan borders and is considered a biodiversity hotspot.